ACRES VERMONT
 

Dedicated to responsible development in Vermont

 

You shouldn’t have to be rich to be heard!

It all got started when people were in a room sharing their issues with Town governance around development. These issues have persisted for a long time. People have raised their voices over legitimate issues only to be ignored.

We decided to do something about it.

And we formed non-profit ACRES.
And we are pursuing every community, regulatory, and legal angle to make a difference.

Your voice matters.

You matter.


Join Us

MtMansfield_VT_AlanCressler.jpg
 

Mission

ACRES was established to ensure that community voices are considered in decisions shaping Essex’s future. The group supports sustainable growth that maintains the town’s character, safeguards public health and safety, and aligns with the Essex Town Plan. 

 

Goals 

Upholding Town Plan: ACRES believes all development should follow the Town’s comprehensive plan for balanced, environmentally responsible growth. 

Preserving Community Character: ACRES is committed to maintaining Essex’s rural and scenic qualities and minimizing noise and air pollution. 

Public Health and Safety: ACRES notes that Town Zoning Regulations require new developments to adequately protect the public health, safety, and welfare of Town residents. New development should address existing congestion, noise, air pollution, and truck-related safety risks—especially for schoolchildren, pedestrians, and cyclists. 

01.
Traffic

The Planning Commission and Development Review Board needs to focus on value added operations, not large warehouses generating significant tractor- trailer, delivery trucks, and vehicular traffic. New development should consider the implications of new traffic on existing traffic patterns in our Town.

02.
NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION


Development needs to be in harmony with the Town. We do not want loud trucks, truck braking, or operational noise in our neighbhorhoods.

Trucks generate significant air pollution from tail pipe emissions, brake dust, tire wear, and road dust re-suspension

03.
Taxes

Development needs to reduce taxes, not increase taxes through excess use of municipal infrastructure.

There should be economic inpact studies completed because heretofore none of the development has reduced taxes.

 
 
 

The purpose of the town plan is to express a shared community vision which will guide the future of growth, development and land preservation here.”

ACRES MEMBER

 
 
 
Mt Mansfield Kent Sturm USFW.jpg
 
 

History

ACRES — the Alliance of Concerned Residents Envisioning Solutions (ACRES) is a new non-profit formed in June 2025 by a passionate group of Essex residents united to promote sustainable, responsible development and responsive leadership in the Town of Essex. 

ACRES was established to ensure that community voices are considered in decisions shaping Essex’s future. The group supports sustainable growth that maintains the town’s character, safeguards public health and safety, and aligns with the Essex Town Plan. 

 
 
 

Ready to help?

Volunteer

Donate

 
Saxon Hill 2.jpg